Kia Sorento range review

What is the best choice in the South Korean brand's big SUV line-up?

Kia Sorento range review

It’s Kia’s flagship seven-seat SUV, and a multiple winner of Drive’s Best Family SUV award.

How many models can I choose from?

There are eight variants spread evenly across four trim lines and with either the choice of a front-drive petrol powertrain or an all-wheel drive turbo diesel configuration.

All of them come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, six airbags that cover the first and second row occupants and have a full-size alloy spare wheel.

The entry-level Si rides on 17-inch wheels, has cloth trim, three 12V power outlets and two USB charging points, dual-zone climate control and an eight-inch colour display with sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices and a six-speaker audio system with digital radio.

The flagship GT-Line variant has all that Kia can throw at it, including heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second row seats with sunblinds, LED interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, sporty exterior highlights and 19-inch alloys as well as additional safety coming from a 360-degree camera, LED headlamps, rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot detection.

What do they cost?

Petrol FWD

Sorento Si - $42,990

Sorento Sport - $44,990

Sorento SLi - $46,990

GT-Line - $55,490

Diesel AWD

Sorento Si - $45,490

Sorento Sport - $48,490

Sorento SLi - $50,490

Sorento GT-Line - $58,990

*Prices exclude on-road costs

Any options that I need to know about?

Kia keeps things simple with a logical walk-up through the model range rather than offering different option packs.

There is, however, an extensive list of official accessories, like handy storage solutions, roof racks and towing kits.

Is it expensive to own?

Kia has set the pace when it comes to offering exceptional ownership credentials, with all vehicles covered by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assistance and a capped-price servicing scheme. All Sorento variants have annual service intervals (or every 15,000km) and diesel models will cost $1184 for the first three years while petrol versions are slightly cheaper to maintain, costing $998 for the same period.

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That would the diesel-powered models, with the 2.2-litre turbo four cylinder using a claimed average consumption of 7.2L/100km to produce 147kW and 441Nm.

Which is the safest model?

The range-topping GT-Line has all the safety gear that Kia has in its arsenal, with automated emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and a 360-degree camera.

All Sorento variants, however, a five-star ANCAP crash rating with six airbags that cover the first and second occupants.

Which is the best model to drive?

The GT Line diesel is the pick in this area, primarily because of its extra safety gear which gives you added peace-of-mind. As there's very little mechanically different between the various models, the strong pulling power of the diesel gives it the edge while the all-wheel drive transmission allows for a mid more off-road ability.

Should I buy one now?

End of financial year is a good time to buy any car as dealers are looking to finish the year off strongly.

Where's the sweet spot?

If it was our money we'd opt for the Si diesel. Put simply it has all the good bits without paying more for luxury items.